Local and County Legislature candidates weigh in at North Salem forum

The Katonah-Lewisboro Times, October 30, 2025

“The Number One type of constituent who calls my office is a senior … on everything from scams to difficulties with reverse mortgages to problems with utility costs,” the Democratic hopeful said.

The Board of Legislators is “aggressively fighting” rate hikes proposed by NYSE&G and Con Edison. It’s formally intervened in both cases before the state Public Service Commission, a nonpartisan entity whose members are appointed by the governor.

The county itself has no control over what it does, she explained.

However, legislators are working with state partners on a law that would change the way the commission manages the rate approval process and its policies.

Pierce noted that many seniors are on “balanced” billing.

“In reality, NYSE&G often sets that rate at a rate which is way lower than what anyone would ever use. Then they get this tremendous catch-up bill often in the winter when rates are at the highest possible level,” she said, adding that if they get behind, they face finance charges.

Calling that “egregious,” Pierce said it “shouldn’t have to work that way.”